Oberlin College crest

Oberlin College

Oberlin, United States • Founded 1833

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Founded: 1833
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
ARWU (Shanghai) 2017 #701-800 SCImago 2026 #3761
Motto: Learning and Labor
Colours: Cardinal red and mikado yellow
Oberlin College crest

Established in 1833, the Oberlin College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium town of Oberlin (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Ohio.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Oberlin College is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Oberlin College offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.

This 190-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Oberlin College also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Oberlin College's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.

Address: 70 N Professor Street
Postal Code: 44074
Phone: +1 (440) 775 8411
Fax: +1 (440) 775 6905

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Oberlin College: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 2,887
Academic Staff Range: 300-399
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Five Colleges of Ohio National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Oberlin College's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.

Unit 2 items
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • Conservatory of Music

Programs Offered

Below are Oberlin College's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.

39 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

How to apply to Oberlin College

Below is a five-step path through the application process at Oberlin College, useful for first-time applicants and international students.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Oberlin College

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Oberlin College offers 39 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Each programme at Oberlin College has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Apply directly via Oberlin College's online portal at www.oberlin.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (440) 775 8411. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oberlin College

Common questions students ask about Oberlin College — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

When was Oberlin College founded?

Oberlin College was established in 1833 (approximately 193 years ago).

What city is Oberlin College in?

Oberlin College operates from Oberlin, United States.

What is Oberlin College's control type?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How big is Oberlin College's student body?

Oberlin College serves approximately 2,887 students.

What is Oberlin College's academic structure?

The institution comprises 2 academic units.

Is Oberlin College accredited?

Yes, Oberlin College is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.

Where can I learn more about Oberlin College?

You can find Oberlin College online at www.oberlin.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

the United States's leading universities appear below, useful for benchmarking Oberlin College's academic standing. Use this list as the upper-bound reference for academic prestige within the United States.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), alongside Oberlin College.

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